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Milk Allergies (Milk Protein Allergy)

Written by Michael KerrMedically Reviewed on May 4, 2012 by George Krucik, MD, MBA

Milk allergies are caused by an immune reaction to one of the proteins in animal milk. Learn more about types of milk allergies,symptoms, and treatment.

A milk allergy is an immune reaction to one of the many
proteins in animal milk, although it is most often caused by the alpha
S1-casein protein in cow's milk.

A milk allergy is sometimes confused with lactose
intolerance because they often share symptoms. The two conditions are very
different, however. Lactose intolerance occurs when a person lacks the enzyme
(lactase) to metabolize lactose—a milk sugar—in the intestines.

Cow's milk is the leading cause of allergic reactions in
young children and one of eight foods that are responsible for 90 percent of
childhood allergies. (The other seven are eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish,
shellfish, and wheat.)

Symptoms

Often, children with a milk allergy will have a
"slow" reaction, which means symptoms will develop over time—perhaps
within several hours to days later. Symptoms associated with a slow reaction
are:

abdominal cramps

loose stool (which may
contain blood or mucus)

diarrhea

skin rash

intermittent coughing

runny nose or sinus
infection

failure to thrive
(slow to gain weight or height)

Symptoms
that occur quickly (within seconds to hours) may include:

wheezing

vomiting

hives

Although rare, it is possible for a child with a milk
allergy to have a serious reaction known as anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic
shock may cause swelling of the throat and mouth, cause a drop in blood
pressure, impede breathing, and can lead to cardiac arrest. Anaphylaxis
requires immediate medical attention and is treated with epinephrine (EpiPen)
in the form of a shot.

Rice Milk Allergies

Rice is the least likely grain to cause an allergic
reaction (hypoallergenic), therefore many parents choose to give their children
rice milk instead of cow's milk due to allergy concerns. While rice allergies
are extremely rare in the West, they have been on the rise in Asian countries
such as Japan and Korea, where rice is a staple food, since the 1990s.

Symptoms of rice allergy include:

redness of the skin

rashes

hives

swelling

stuffy or runny nose

wheezing

anaphylaxis

Almond Milk Allergies

Switching from regular milk to almond milk may be trading
one allergic reaction for another. Tree nuts such as almonds (along with
walnuts, cashews, and pecans) top the list of allergy offenders. In addition,
nearly half of people allergic to peanuts are allergic to tree nuts.

Unlike a cow's milk allergy, which typically resolves at a
very early age, tree nut allergies tend to last a lifetime. Only 9 percent of
children will outgrow an allergy to almonds and other tree nuts.

Symptoms of a tree nut allergy may include skin reactions
including:

itching

eczema or hives

swelling

nausea

abdominal pain

diarrhea

vomiting

runny nose

wheezing

trouble breathing

It is also more common to suffer an anaphylactic reaction
to tree nuts (and peanuts) than with other types of allergies.

Breast Milk Allergies

Breastfeeding provides the best source of nutrients for a
baby and helps her to develop to develop defenses against certain allergies.

A mother who drinks cow's milk, however, will transfer the
alpha S1-casein and whey protein
to her child via her breast milk, possibly causing a reaction in an allergic
baby. Milk allergies are usually discovered very early in breastfed infants.

The good news, however, is that babies who are breastfed
have fewer allergies and infections during the first year than do those who are
given formula.

Most doctors recommend new mothers nurse for at least the
first six months of a child's life to help the infant avoid allergies.

Soy Milk Allergies

Again, soy is one of the "big eight" allergens,
so it is important to watch for symptoms, especially in children. Soybeans,
along with peanuts, kidney beans, lentils and peas, are in the legume family.

A soy allergy is most common in infants.

Symptoms of a soy allergy may include:

flushing

itching

hives

runny nose

wheezing

In more serious reactions, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and
swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat may occur. In vary rare cases, a soy
allergy may result in anaphylaxis.

In Children, Infants, and Toddlers

Allergies are usually discovered very early, often by three
months of age. As noted, breastfeeding is one of the best ways to avoid and
defend against allergies. A newborn should not be given any formula during the
first four weeks after birth, but when breastfeeding isn't an option, certain
formulas can usually be safely tolerated by infants.

Formula for Babies With Milk Allergies

Most pediatricians recommend soy-based formulas with added
vitamins and minerals for babies allergic to milk.

If symptoms don't improve after a switch to soy,
"hypoallergenic" formulas are available, including extensively
hydrolyzed formulas in which proteins have been broken down so they are less
likely to cause a reaction.

The other type of hypoallergenic formula commonly used is
known as an elemental formula, in which only the simplest forms of protein are
used.

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